Contents

Tirta Gangga is a small village on the eastern side of Bali. It is perched among dormant volcanic mountains and rice terraces and provides views of the sea to the east.

Get in

Tirta Gangga is easily reached from Candidasa and Amed by car in about 20 minutes. Public buses run from nearby Karangasem town and Perama [1]] buses can be chartered from Candidasa.

Get around

This is a great area of Bali in which to walk with many small roads and paths to explore.

See

The primary draw to Tirta Gangga for visitors is the water palace, a lovely maze of pools and fountains surround by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues. The complex was built in 1948 by the late King of Karangsem and is just over 1 hectare in size. You can bath in the pools for a small charge.

The area around Tirta Gangga holds some stunning rice paddy terraces. Those postcard pictures of Bali rice terraces which you have all seen are usually from photographs taken here.

Do

This is a great trekking area with some of the best walks in Bali to suit all levels of fitness. Guides can be arranged easily at the water palace or from your hotel. The areas around Selat and Sideman (off the main Karangasem to Rendang road) are especially good. A good stating point for trekking information and for finding a knowledgeable guide is the Genta Bali restaurant at the water palace.

Take photos. Almost every turn and twist you make in this area presents another photo opportunity. The terraced rice paddies and other landscapes are especially attractive but do not neglect the water palace itself.

Buy

Eat

Good Karma is a great value, long-established restaurant above the main car park of the water palace.

The Tirta Ayu inside the water palace is a good quality restaurant with a superb aspect looking out over the pools and gardens.

Drink

Sleep

There are several budget accomodation options alongside the main road both south and north of Tita Gangga. Look for the signs.

Cabe Bali, Temega village (about 1.5 km south of the water palace), ☎+62 363 22045, [2]. Delightful bungalows in a very rural Balinese setting. Great gardens and a public swimming pool. German owned and managed.from Rp 700,000.

The Villas at Tirtagangga, Tirtagangga, ☎+62 363 21383, [3]. Three different private villas adjoining the Water Palace. The largest of them, Villa Tirta Ayu, incorporates the former King of Karangasem's personal chambers.from US$ 120 to US$ 400.